T. Ed Garrison

ANDERSON — Former Senator T. Ed Garrison, a lifelong farmer and supporter of Clemson University, as well as the namesake of the university’s T. Ed Garrison Arena, died Sunday of natural causes at age 91.

Garrison was a 1942 Clemson graduate and served as a pilot in the Pacific Theatre during World War II before entering the political arena.

He was instrumental in bringing about the state’s first regional tourism and historic preservation office, Pendleton District Historical, Recreational, and Tourism Commission, to serve Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens Counties, said Pendleton District Commission executive director Vicki Fletcher.

Supporters packed the sidewalks and roadsides from Easley to Seneca on Monday as the annual “Honoring Their Service” parade made its way to Keowee Key.

By Nicole Daughhetee

Courier Staff

UPSTATE — For the last few years, Keowee Key has hosted more than 140 members of the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (MARSOC) from Camp Lejeune, N.C., and members of the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment from Greenville, as part of an annual “Honoring Their Service” event.

The 2013 program began with the arrival of the Marines on Monday, where a motorcycle escort awaited them at the J.B. “Red” Owens Complex in Easley. From there, hundreds of motorcyclists, with support from law enforcement organizations from the counties and towns along the way, escorted the heroes through the towns of Liberty, Norris, Central, Clemson and Seneca to their final destination inside Keowee Key, where they will enjoy a variety of activities throughout the week.